Priya Mendez

The music of Camilo Méndez is a melting pot where a seeming gallimaufry of disparate influences coalesces into harmonious, cohesive works of monumental proportions. It draws inspiration from literature and the visual arts, from geography and philosophy, and from experiences lived on multiple continents. While Méndez’s soundworld has an unquestionable affinity with that of European composers like Helmut Lachenmann and his mentors Pierluigi Billone and Rebecca Saunders, the conceptual underpinning of his works is filled with allusions to composers, writers, and visual artists from his native Latin America, and with subtle references to his own professional pursuits and artistic collaborations in North America and Southeast Asia.

Rafael Méndez (March 26, 1906 – September 15, 1981) was a Mexican virtuoso solo trumpeter. He is known as the "Heifetz of the Trumpet." Méndez was born in Jiquilpan, Michoacán, Mexico to a musical family. As a child, he performed for the cornetist for guerilla leader Pancho Villa, becoming a favorite musician of his and required to remain with Villa's camp. Méndez emigrated to the US, first settling in Gary, Indiana, at age 20 and worked in steel mills. He moved to Flint, Michigan and worked at a Buick automotive plant as he established his musical career.

Priya Basil ci racconta con ironia e schiettezza che cosa significa essere ospitali e come usare la condivisione del cibo per imparare a stare insieme, al di là di ogni differenza e diffidenza. Perché il cibo abita le nostre vite. Ci sfama, ci sostenta, ci appaga. E, se inatteso e bizzarro, può anche stupirci e spaesarci, proprio come chi non conosciamo: l’altro da noi, il forestiero che bussa alla nostra porta e ci chiede di entrare. Riusciamo a sorprenderci e insieme nutrirci dell’imprevisto? Può la comunione di un piatto diventare comunione di esistenze? Siamo capaci di offrire un posto accanto a noi allo straniero di cui non sappiamo nulla? In "Elogio dell’ospitalità" Priya Basil ci spinge a esprimere la nostra generosità, invitandoci a offrire e ricevere, condividere e accogliere senza riserve, per capire che solo nell’ospitalità incondizionata possiamo trovare il nostro senso di comunità. E vivere così in un mondo in cui ogni persona può sentirsi a casa, chiunque essa sia.

Ingrid Fliter is set to thrill her fans with a new recording of piano concertos; eagerly awaited since her acclaimed recording of Chopin 1 & 2, which saw Fliter nominated for a Gramophone Award. Fliter performs repertoire that is very close to her heart: concertos by two nineteenth century heavyweights, Schumann and Mendelssohn. With both composers giving equal focus to soloist and orchestra, the musicality of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s award-winning musicians shines through as they partner Fliter perfectly. This also marks the recording debut of Antonio Méndez, who is fast becoming one of the most exciting conductors of his generation following engagements with a host of international orchestras.